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Post by vamperious on Jan 3, 2020 10:32:23 GMT -5
As the day went on he got a bit more unhappy as it was getting closer to when he had to see Natalie. As the last bell rang for class to start, Natalie and her friend came in late taking a seat in the front row and looking expectant of something. Matt ignored them and passed out the test and the study guide. It wasn't until he told them to begin for class did Natalie start her shit, asking for a calculator and a pencil, and anything she could possibly ask for. It was honestly annoying for him so he finally told her to make do and complete her test. AS she fidgeted in her seat she wasn't very lady like when her skirt was so short- he could have see her belly button pierce if she leaned over and could tell you about the tattoo on her hip when she sat. It would have been an attractive tease when they were happily together but now- it was just unlady like and trashy to him. He texted Posh that the last class was terrible and he just wanted to go home. He put his phone away and glanced about the room- clearly avoiding eye contact with Natalie but checked the clock. As the bell rang he stood up and told them to put their pencils down and turn in the test and their completed study guides. Natalie wanted till she was last before turning hers in, leaning provocativly over the desk. "I wanted you to know, I'm not happy about being left at home alone Matthew." She state blandly getting a frown from him. "I requested you have your shit out of my house before today. If its still there- I'm putting it on the curb." He stated bluntly before neatly stacking the tests in the folder to be graded for this class and putting it in his bag. He stood up and held out his hand, getting a frown from Natalie. "You can either give me the key or not- I changed the locks already." he stated bluntly to her getting a dark look but she pulled the key from her purse and threw it on his desk. "Enjoy your mess Matt-You will come crawling back...they always do." She stated before leaving the room with a sway to her hips. Matt did his best to ignore this as he picked up the key and put it in his desk with the other keys for the lock smith. Heading home he found the lock smith looking a little tired before he explained why. The locks had been changed and the system installed but the house was an absolute wreck- the girl had made a right mess of it. With a heavy sigh he thanked the man and passed off the keys before he started cleaning one room to at least get his papers graded. He did however check for his things an if anything was missing- thankfully not but a lot of stuff was broken or shredded. It pissed him off to no end, and all the photos' he had in the house were broken all but a picture of him and Natalie spread about the house like a nice closing touch from the witch. He got aggravated enough o punch the wall- only to find he missed and hit the door frame. Pain exploded in his hand as he cussed some more but went to find something to ice it with. Eventually he called Paige and asked for her to come give him a ride- he was guessing she wasn't with Claire anymore as it was later that evening when he had finished grading all the tests.
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Post by kimcora on Jan 3, 2020 13:34:42 GMT -5
Paige and Claire separated after a bit of sight seeing around the college campus. Paige even showed her a quiet little coffee shop that read poetry once a week. She figured the new girl would like it since it was quieter and bookish. Like Matt would appreciate if he wasn't so busy all the time with work and Natalie drama. She was on her way back to her dorm when she got the call from Matt. Claire was still in the car, but figured the girl wouldn't mind her answering since she was sure this was something to do with Natalie. When she answered, she was surprised to hear him ask for a ride. She agreed but did look a bit hesitantly at Claire. Maybe this wasn't a venture for the new girl. If this was about something Natalie did, Posh didn't want to go blasting Matt's business to someone they hardly knew. Claire got the hint and gave Posh a softer look. "I don't mind going to my dorm. I have things I need to look over anyways. Tell Matt I said hello." Claire offered since she felt this was a situation that needed handling when she wasn't involved. Posh said goodnight to Claire before heading over to Matt's. When she got there she knocked a few times to get him to answer. But she was hardly expecting to find the mess behind him. Her jaw dropped, eyes going to the broken glass, clothes, papers, ripped up books and even food on floor. It looked like a bomb went off in there. "What the actual hell Nat..." She huffed, running a shaky hand through her blonde hair at the sight. She then turned to Matt and gave him a bewildered look. "I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner. I was showing Claire that coffee place--well glad I didn't invite her along for this sight." She said before kicking a shoe out of her way. It was then she caught sight of his bruising hand and she instantly went to him. "Shite, Matt." She touched his elbow and got a look at his hand before she motioned to the door. "Let's get you to the clinic, yeah? Looks broken but could just be really badly jammed." She frowned as they went to her car, her mind having to play catch up with everything. "I blame myself you know for how miserable you are because of her. I should have never introduced you two...Natalie always got feisty in break ups but that..." Posh told him softly since she was a bit shocked and embarrassed that her once friend could be that vicious. Sure, she and Natalie really weren't as close as they once were once things started going wrong with Matt and her relationship. But Paige still cared about her friends and hated seeing Matt this way. Matt was the only guy she really cared for, even if her old feelings were compartmentalized to make sure she was there for him.
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Post by vamperious on Jan 3, 2020 16:05:01 GMT -5
As Paige apologized he shook his head since it wasn't her fault. "Don't get too worried over this, the hand yes- Natalie no." He stated looking tired form the pain but in an agreeable enough mood still. He was pleased to have Natalie out of his house finally after a year of hell after all. They headed out and to the clinic, feeling it should be a pretty quick visit. As they came in he asked Paige to sign him in as he hurt his right hand. ((wasnt' Claire at the clinic last time?))
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Post by kimcora on Jan 3, 2020 23:34:59 GMT -5
The call came in at around 8 from an unknown number. Claire’s brows furrowed, but waited for it to go to voicemail to be sure it was someone recognizable. The voice on the message made her eyes widen, especially when she recognized the voice instantly from all the video chats and e-cards throughout the years. The caller told Claire to go to the small town clinic near campus if she wanted to grab dinner after their shift. An excitement ran through Claire as she grabbed her bag and hurried out the door. Claire walked into the small clinic, her eyes flitting from side to side as she all but ghosted into the place. She was a woman on a mission, but still too awkward for this situation. She walked up to the counter and spoke in a small voice got the attention of the receptionist. “Is there a miss Karen Wickham here?" "Why yes-" "Who's looking for her?" A rather skeptical woman's voice asked as an older lady with brown hair walked up to the desk. It was after a moment of looking at Claire's face that the woman's face fell and finally a smile spread across her lips. "CLAIRE?! Say it isn't so!" She laughed, hurrying round the counter to hug her. Claire let out a small laugh, remembering Miss Karen being this sweet. She was her mother's best friend and her father's cousin, she came to visit alot during the holdiays sometimes but it had been almost 5 years since she'd seen her. "So how have you been? You're dad told me you've enrolled at the Institute! That's one of the toughest schools in England." Claire nodded her face turning a slight pink from everyone looking at the scene going on. She hated attention but knew Karen was too loud not to draw some of it. Her dad had always said she was a spit fire and a good person for Claire to model herself after. She was the closest thing Claire had to a mother since her own mother couldn’t exactly step up to the plate... "Yeah, I made it in on a scholarship...Dad told you?” "Yep. He told me just the other day to reach out to you. Oh my girl, it’s been ages. Perhaps since you and your father stopped through on his way to photograph monks in the Himalayas...I swear that man and I can't be related." She laughed, before patting Claire's cheek and directing her to sit on a chair behind the desk. "So tell me, how's the new school?" "Wonderful. The classes are challenging, the professors are studious, and the people are very...friendly?" She admitted awkwardly and Karen nodded. "Yeah kids here can be a little uptight around new people but they tend to simmer down after the newness wears off." Karen said before going off on a story about Claire's mother, instantly grabbing Claire's full attention. They began to tour the facility, the place where her mother once volunteered before she got her acting career started. It had been a chance run in with a casting director who fell ill and had to visit the clinic. He offered her mother a part the moment she was done helping with his treatment and that made her history. Claire looked around as she listened to Karen ramble, looking at the shiny things and peices of equipment she point out. When she came up to one of the stethoscopes she picked it up, looking it over curiously. "So mother was in to all of this?" She asked flipping the cold metal in the hands. Karen noticed the sadness in Claire's eyes as her mind seemed to wander, and she bit her lip, trying to decide what to say. "Yeah, she was really good in the small time medical career. She was good with everyone, all the patients, young and old. Always had a cute little smile on her face, looked just like you do now you know. She never seemed to grow up." Claire smiled though on the inside she felt the sting of that final comment. Her mother never grew up...she still saught something more even when she was supposed to settle down and be a mother.... The topic left a sour taste in Claire’s mouth, but she had to put the emotions away when Karen cleared her throat. “I’m going to grab my coat and finish up putting away some charts before I can take my break. Would you mind helping sign people in while Shanon takes a 30 minute break?” Claire nodded since working a desk couldn’t be all that hard. All she had to do was sit there and pass them a pen and paper. She decided to catch up on some reading while she waited, pulling out a book on astronomy to pass the time. She heard some people come in, but was surprised when she looked up from her book and got an eye full of Posh looking distracted and worried. “Posh?” She asked, making the blonde blink and stare at Claire before it clicked. “Kitten?” Claire nodded before then looking past Posh to find Matt nursing a very bruised hand. “Matt? Oh my, are you alright?” She asked with some alarm that fell when she realized it was uncalled for. She blushed and set her book down as she rose from her seat. “Let’s get you in the back. I’m sure Karen wouldn’t mind seeing you.” She stated, opening to door for them to follow her to an examination room. Posh looked confused still before she finally got the moment to ask. “Claire why are you here?” Claire looked to Posh before her eyes darted down to her hands. “I was visiting an old friend that works here. She wanted to get dinner so I came by. I wasn’t expecting...” she began but let it drop as she pressed the button on the wall of the room to page for Karen.
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Post by vamperious on Jan 7, 2020 15:14:55 GMT -5
When he heard Claire's voice he paled a little and glanced over the counter at the girl, a weak smile twitched to his lips. That wasn't expected in the slightest.AS she ushered them back he didn't bother answering the question since honestly if he were okay- would he be there? AS Claire explained why she was there he nodded, but shifted his hand a bit closer to himself. "I see, that's fun. I uh- Punched the door frame actually. After I went home I had come to find that my entire house was trashed and most of my things broken and thrown everywhere to hell. Kinda of got a bit overwhelming." He stated honestly since he wasn't out to sound like a violent person honestly. Called Posh cause she is the only one I trust to drive with around here." He added more as a joke since he trusted Paige.
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Post by kimcora on Jan 7, 2020 21:26:04 GMT -5
Claire’s eyes flicked up to Matt when he spoke up about what happened with his hand. The news of him punching a door frame made her tense but it fell away to shock when he said it was because his home was trashed. Surely he had a right to react poorly to that...She covered her mouth at the news to hide her surprise and Posh gave Matt a smirk when he said she was a trust worthy driver. “Yep I even drive on the right side of the road and everything.” She teased with a wink to Matt before looking to Claire. “Yeah his house is trashed. I’m going back over once this mess is done to help clean.” Claire’s face eased and she nodded some to herself at the idea. “I want to help too if that’s okay. You two have been such a help to me that I’d feel terrible not helping, especially with your hand hurt. I’m sure Karen will understand.” Posh gave a shrug since honestly it would be nice to have extra help with that chaos, but it was Ik to Matt. Sooner than never Karen came into the room, looking a bit confused and worried. “Hello all. I apologize I thought we didn’t have any patients.” She said as she went to Matt and gave Claire a curious look since she was still in the room. “Oh Karen these are the people I mentioned at school. This is Matt and that’s Paige. They’ve been helping me out.” Karen made a face of recognition before she then took in the situation. This man, Matt, was in with a bruised up hand. That didn’t bode well for his temper... “Well then the least I can do is help out friends of Claire’s before I leave. The night shift PA is terrible honestly,” she said as a small tease before she went to Matt to do a small exam. She gently took his hand and pressed on some of the areas, asking if he could move any of it. “So how did this come about? A scuffle or...?” She asked before Posh cut in. “He lost a fight with doorframe if that helps. Not intentional. He had reason...” she added and Karen gave only a hum of acknowledgement before looking at Matt. “We can do an x-ray but I feel confident it’s a fracture. We could cast it but I think a splint is best. Cold treatment and pain meds that I can give you will do the trick. No using it or punching anymore door frames. Sound fair?” Karen said since she was being candid with this man she wasn’t sure how to process.
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Post by vamperious on Jan 8, 2020 8:59:02 GMT -5
“Well then the least I can do is help out friends of Claire’s before I leave. The night shift PA is When Claire asked to come help he shrugged, "I don't see why not, I'm not gonna be much help after this- not to mention I'm not gonna refuse free help- its really a mess." He stated almost awkwardly. As the doctor on duty came into the room he gave her a softer expression since this woman would hopefully help him. As the woman got a bit touchy he flinched a bit but did his best to do as the woman asked. "No thank you miss- I'll take the splint- I'm sure I have pills at home so there is no need on that part." he stated very politely as he was trying to make this easier with less paper work for the woman. He got some papers signed, and had to listen to Posh promise to keep the 'mean doorframe' away from him... They all follow along to the car and eventually headed bac to Matt's house. As they arrived he paused out side the door to prepare Claire. "Now- my house is usually clean this is just what was done to it I promise. Don't let it scare you." he stated as he unlocked the door and beheld the mess. He did pass the main hall nd the living room to head to the kitchen, making a comment on going to find an ice pack or frozen veggies.
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Post by kimcora on Jan 8, 2020 10:25:48 GMT -5
Claire went willingly with them after explaining the situation to Karen. Karen looked a bit worried, but Claire assured her that these people were kind and that she trusted them. That was enough for Karen since she knew the girl was sheltered but hardly one to trust blindly. Claire was quiet on the way back since Posh filled the time with her music and chatting Matt up about things and people Claire had no knowledge of. By the time they made it to the house, Claire was a bit surprised to think of this place as messy. The outside looked so clean and polished and well taken care of. She followed Posh and Matt to the door, her expression becoming worried when Matt gave her a warning about it scaring her. Just what the heck went on here? She braced herself as the door opened but her face still fell in shock. It looked like a hurricane spawned in his how, taking out everything there. She would have thought it was a robbery if the level of destruction wasn't so heavy. Someone obviously did this with alot of spite and vengeance. "Right? I did the same thing?" Posh said as she pushed Claire's jaw from where it had fallen open. Claire paced a little into the living room and started picking up some papers scattered on the floor. "Who would do this?" Claire asked the room and Posh gave a sigh. "An old...friend of mine and his ex. It didn't end pretty if you can tell. But let's keep that knowledge between us. Matt is still sore about it and I don't think he wants to talk about it with others..." Claire nodded and went about picking more things up while Posh helped. Eventually Claire stumbled on some books, all collections of Poe's poems that she had red in passing. She frowned a bit when she saw how destroyed they were, pages torn and missing here and there. "This is awful...I've got a few books that could maybe help your library out?" Claire offered to Matt who was having to rest and do a bit of less rigorous work because of his hand and the painkillers. Posh gave a shrug and just looked dismally at the smashed TV. "Dang she really went for it...You thinking about pressing charges? The university might want to see this, so you can get a few days off for your hand..." Paige asked Matt since she was wondering if they should photograph things before cleaning up more.
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Post by vamperious on Jan 8, 2020 11:41:11 GMT -5
Matt knew the house was an utter mess and was a little embarrassed about it. He returned to the living room and instructed them on what could be pitched and what he would like to keep. When Claire finally got to the book shelf that had been ripped off the wall and his books torn up he sighed at the state of them. "Throw them away, I can always order other ones. It is sad thought- perfectly good books." He commented before throwing away a few pictures he found of him and Natalie that she purposely kept around for him it seemed. "Nah, Its about time I updated the house anyhow. A fresh coat of paint and some furniture I got to pick out would be nice. I hated most of the stuff she picked out." He stated more to Posh since he knew Posh would understand why he was more okay with her breaking the stuff their shared if Natalie had been the one to pick it out. He chuckled a moment as he went and put a picture he found on the floor that had been on the book shelf of his small family, on the fire place mantle. It was of a rather tall man, and a girl holding a baby- both blond and had pretty eyes of blue and green. Standing in front of the man(his father) was the little girl with long blond hair and green eyes and a baby in the sister's arms that looked tiny still. He gave it a softer smile as he went about picking things up with his good hand before his house phone started to ring so he left the room to go play fetch.
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Post by kimcora on Jan 8, 2020 17:53:59 GMT -5
Claire begrudgingly threw away the books, taking care to place the few not ruined in a pile to save them. Paige looked giddy at the idea of decorating and made a small cheering motion. “Ooh I know plenty of cool places to check out. Say the word and I’m there.” She giggled before she was forced to start pushing the box full of broken dishes towards the door. When Matt left, Claire notes the picture he left on the mantel. It was a rather old one, one of a family. Was that Matt’s family? She couldn’t help her curiosity, even when Posh came back into the room and caught her. She blushed when Posh sidled up to her, staring at the photo a long moment before sighing. “Now that is a tough spot...Best to leave it be unless he tells you.” She warned Claire and Claire nodded softly. However, she was beginning to find there were a few things Paige warmed her not to talk about. Maybe Matt wasn’t happy with his family? The ex anger she got. But they seemed so simple and together in that picture. Claire wondered just what all she was missing about this mysterious professor of theirs.
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Post by vamperious on Jan 15, 2020 7:49:25 GMT -5
Matt came back into the room after a few moments, finding it was the school, responding to his email. He had requested a day or so off since this was stressful and he did need to get his house back into shape. "School called, said I had a day or so to get this sorted out." He stated before giving a huff and toss two more photos of him and Natalie away on the trash bag since he had found them in the kitchen. These pictures were like roaches...hard to get ride of it seemed. He helped do a few things they let him before he moved on to the office space to do a bit more. It started to get a bit late and he called it a night, asking them to come by tomorrow to help- after class of course and that he would buy dinner for their help, even help with homework hell- he would be making piss poor progress along tomorrow anyhow, and they all knew it.
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Post by kimcora on Jan 17, 2020 7:55:50 GMT -5
Paige and Claire got at least the living room looking manageable and were onto the kitchen when Matt came back. It was a good thing the university was letting him have a day off. He definitely needed it after all that. Claire gave a small yawn despite herself, since it had been quite a long day. She spared Matt a wave and a small “See you tomorrow.” As she left with Posh. Posh was cheerful and gave Matt a hug before they left. However when they got in the car, the cheer faded and Posh cursed under her breath. “This mess with Natalie is getting out of control.” She said to no one in particular and Claire gave a small frown. Posh had told her not to ask, so she was trying to figure out how to respond. Posh caught Claire’s awkward look in her mirror and instantly gave a sigh. “Well if you’re helping clean up her messes then you should know a bit about the woman that started them. Natalie was my best friend before Matt. I introduced them thinking that Matt and Natalie would be good together. She was a social, strong-headed girl that I thought would get Matt out of his shell...I never had an issue with Nat until she started all this possessiveness over Matt. She made him feel so trapped that I think it boiled over...I don’t know, this is a different side of Nat I’m not used to seeing.” Posh’s description of the woman sounded confused and very mad, like she couldn’t tolerate this harassment of her real best friend. It made Claire frown since it seemed that all of this was a mess that should have ended sooner than never. Matt didn’t need to be with someone that made him feel trapped and Natalie needed someone she could protect and control it seemed. They just weren’t right for each other...Claire knew all about failed relationships just watching her parents. “Well, at least we’’re there to help Matt...” Claire added softly which drew a smaller smile from Posh. ~~~ After a long day of classes, Paige and Claire met up in the library to head to the car. They needed to go to Matt’s to help with the cleaning again. This time, they came armed with a little homework. Thankfully Matt’s class was cancelled, leaving them one less stressful change of lesson. When they got to his place, Posh knocked since she wasn’t sure what the man was up to. Hopefully not hauling things around with a broken hand, but she knew he was stubborn enough to try.
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Post by vamperious on Jan 17, 2020 9:25:08 GMT -5
Matt was working on shoving a box with his foot when the door was knocked on. He moved around the box and opened the door seeing Posh and Claire making him greet them with a smile. "Hey, thanks for coming back. Oh-Paige I got keys made this morning- yours in in the kitchen on the counter. Pick what ever one ya like." He stated since he knew Posh would go for the sparkly key he got made more for giggles. He knew she would liked that one after all- else he was going to have a glittery key. He gave Claire a smile as she came in. "Hey, glad to see you again. I've been working slowly today- so 'm not over doing it, promise." Since he had a feeling she might go 'doctor' on him if he had been. A timer went off on his phone making him sigh, "Time to ice my hand again. Come on it- have a seat- soda and coffee in the kitchen- help yourselves." he stated as he went back into the kitchen and got himself a bag of veggies and a towel and a soda, looking tired. Matt made his way back to the living space and took a seat with a huff.
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Post by kimcora on Jan 17, 2020 10:25:48 GMT -5
Claire and Posh came in when welcomed in since it was a bit chilly out. When Posh heard the keys were up for grabs she gave a pleased clap. “Awesome don’t mind if I do!” She all but skipped into the kitchen and her eyes widened at the sparkly key. “Aw Matt you know me so well!” She teased as she went ahead and snagged that one for herself. She grabbed two sodas and went to hand one to Claire who had taken a seat by Matt. Claire smiled at his defense of his actions, since it was a little funny. Was he worried she would scold him? When he left to get some veggies to ice his hand, Posh brought her the drink and sat nearby. “Good you’re taking a healing seriously. I won’t have to rattle on you to Doctor Karen.” Claire actually teased but gave the hand he was icing a curious look. “I’m sure it still hurts quite a bit. Otherwise, how are you doing with all...this?” She asked as she motioned to the mess as she was sure being alone in the chaos today had stirred some feelings on it.
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Post by vamperious on Jan 17, 2020 11:46:55 GMT -5
As Paige got comfortable he relaxed a bit more around her since they were close friends after all. "Yeah yeah-I'm attempting- I would like to use my hands again." he stated with a grin before readjusting the cold bag on his hand a bit. At Claire's question about his feelings on the entire mess on his plate he frowned a little. Taking a drink of his soda. "I'm kind of tired honestly but I'm glad its finally over and she is out of my space. I had been feeling trapped a while now and often buried myself in work to avoid her...With this new found freedom I can watch any shows I want, eat what I wish for dinner- have guests over even...its been weird getting used to these simple freedoms again." he explained honestly since he was miserable before and it showed honestly. He took another drink ore to take a moment to think. "The only thing I'm going to miss is....what a tick- nothing. I'm not going to miss a damn thing." He said with a some humor since honestly while Sex at one time had been nice- during the entire year they had been together- that 'happy' feeling died after about four months...so it wasn't like it was a recent thing to miss.
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